Orchard County...

A couple of weeks ago my sister came to visit us. While she was here, I took her on the walk I do each day. Down to the lough and back through the village. As we were walking along, I couldn't help but stop to point out the various birds to her.
I can only guess she must have enjoyed seeing the birds, because the next day she asked if we would like to join her on a Dawn Chorus walk at Oxford Island, not far from where she lives.
So on Friday we stayed overnight at my sisters. And on Saturday morning we were up bright and early and off to meet twenty or so others at Oxford Island, just before 6am...



I must admit I was very excited, I hardly ever do any proper birding these days, so to be at Oxford Island was a real treat for me.

On our walk we saw/heard lots of birds including blackbirds, wrens, robins, song thrushes, blackcaps and even a reed bunting. But the best bird for me was the sedge warbler. I was overjoyed at seeing and hearing that beautiful little bird. Infact we saw quite a few of them. I think I mentioned before, that I could quite happily listen to sedge warblers all day long. I find their song so enchanting.

Later on, after a couple of hours birding, we were taken to the restaurant, where a very nice breakfast had been laid on, just what we needed! And when we were fed and watered and ready to leave, I knew exactly where I wanted to go next.....



Well, we were in County Armagh, in the month of May, so we had to go to the apple orchards, just outside Portadown, to see if the blossom was out. And lucky for us it was.



If you've never been to the orchard area of County Armagh, then you really ought to. It is very unique.



My own memories of the orchards are going apple picking with my friend and her dad. I think we got paid ten shillings for a days work. No doubt my friend and I spent that money on sweets, brown lemonade, and raspberry ripple ice-cream.... Happy days!